Ahh…summer. The time of music festivals, high school reunions, family vacations and many more. A time of relaxation and three months free of stress. No school, no professors, no Blackboard. There's plenty of sleep, Netflix and home-cooked meals.
Summer is arguably the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time of joy and adventure.
However, there is always one thing that seems to worm it’s way into hundreds of people’s already beautiful summer vacations: the summer romance. Now, hear me out. I know it’s amazing…you’re down the beach for the summer and you meet this gorgeous lifeguard, you guys get ice cream and chat about your separate colleges and so on. Then August comes to a close, you’re back in Maryland and he’s in Connecticut. And you’re heartbroken.
I mean, let's be real, this isn't Grease. Chances of him actually ending up at the same school as you, or continuing to call and write like he promised, are 0 to none. My advice to you, reader and friend, is this: don’t fall for that summer romance. Don’t waste your time on some guy who, in the long run, will probably be nothing but a blip on your radar in life. Spend your months of freedom doing other things. Things that you will remember fondly. Things that will help you grow.
Fall in love with a new author, read all of their books and get lost in the worlds they have created. Honestly, there is nothing better than sitting by the pool with a (virgin) Strawberry Daquiri and a literary classic.
Make a bucket list and check every single thing off that list. Skydiving, ziplining, white water rafting, feeding a penguin. Summer is a time for adventure. Get wild.
Spend time with your high school friends. Reminisce on the old times and cringe at the embarrassing moments of your past. Assure yourself that you have, in fact, matured and are not as awkward as you once were (and then have your high school and college friends remind you that you're still just as awkward).
Redo your wardrobe. Summer is the perfect time to revamp your style. Pick a look (or more) and start shopping. Maybe change your hairstyle or get some new piercings. After all, these months of freedom are also a chance for change.
Get healthy. Let's be honest: the freshman 15 and the sophomore 15 and the junior 15 and the senior 15 is a real thing. Summer is a great time to detox from the sodium-filled food of your meal plan. It's also great weather for running and working out outside. Take advantage of the sun and get some vitamin D!
Honestly, there are a million things you could do this summer besides fall head over heels for the lifeguard with the mediocre guitar skills. These are just a few suggestions. I want this summer to be the best one yet with memories that'll last a lifetime and lessons that will make me a better person.
Above all else, my advice to you this summer: take this time to truly find and love yourself. You earned that much. It was a tough year, I know, and you deserve this summer break, darling. Treat yourself with respect and love these next few months. Don't be afraid to spend your paycheck at Forever 21 buying new clothes or a furniture store to decorate your apartment for next year. Don't stress about the boy who's not texting you back. Get ice cream with your mom and make time for your friends. Work hard but love harder. Don't let anything hold you back from making this the summer of you. You worked long and hard this year and deserve the summer break of a lifetime.
Make it happen.
